While there are multiple different opinions on how often should you get which chore done – weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannually or yearly – it is safe to say that all of them need to be done fairly regularly, in order to keep your home in good condition.
In case you are still wondering why exactly would you spend your precious time cleaning, repairing, checking things, mending, overhauling or freshening your home when everything works just fine, let us ask you something first: do you get your car (if you own one) serviced regularly? If the answer is yes, you already have an indication of why you should take good care of your home as well.
Not only is your home probably the most valuable asset you have (chances are that your car is only the second most expensive thing that you own), but it’s also something that needs to be maintained properly, even if you’ve neglected it for some time, in order to provide the safety both for you and your family.
The consequences of keeping your house in bad condition are huge. First, you’re potentially risking the lives and health of everyone who lives there. Second, it decreases the value of the whole property. These two reasons alone should be more than enough to start paying some more attention to keeping your home in tip-top condition. So, what are some of the things that you need to focus on to achieve this?
1. Clean the Gutters
If the gutters are dirty and clogged they won’t be able to do their job properly. Make sure to clean them at least twice a year and keep them free of debris. In case there are trees nearby your house, we suggest you check and clean them even more frequently. Emptying them just in spring and fall might not be frequent enough for you.
2. Check and Clean the Windows
The windows should really grab your attention. They should be cleaned at least twice a year, depending on the location of your home. If you live in a polluted environment, you’ll probably have to do it more often than you would like. But having clean windows is essential for having enough light in your home. This also takes care of some of the other problems, like ceiling and wall mould.
Also, be sure to check all the windows for potential leaks. These can cause you a lot of trouble in the future if they aren’t taken care of on time. Rainwater could fill up and spill over into your house, in case the window weep holes aren’t clean.
3. Take Proper Care of Your Home Appliances
There is no arguing that keeping your home appliances in perfect condition is a must for everyone. Make sure to thoroughly inspect them from time to time and see that they are clean and undamaged. You’re risking your safety and health, and you’re potentially losing the money by keeping the home appliances in a bad state.
For instance, you should vacuum the refrigerator coils regularly – that way you’re ensuring that the fridge is working properly and you’re preserving power, which translates to saving money. On the other hand, things like a gas stove and an oven can make a lot of damage if they aren’t maintained appositely. We all know about the possible hazards that might emerge if these gadgets aren’t functioning the way they’re supposed to. That’s why you should check out Wholesale Appliance Supplies and make sure that all your home devices are in excellent state.
4. Inspect and Change HVAC Filters
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are essential to everyone’s home. That’s why it is momentous to check if they are working properly and clean them regularly. This is especially pertinent if you own a pet or have allergies. If this is the case, then you should consider changing out your HVAC filters every month. And if you’re not suffering from any allergies and you don’t have pets, then you can probably get away with doing this every 2-3 months.
5. Check the Smoke and Fire Detectors/ Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
Every house should have a smoke detector/ alarm and at least one fire extinguisher. We strongly suggest that you equip your home with this gear if you haven’t done it already. Check the batteries on smoke detectors and change them at least every six months, just in case – even if they’re still working.
As far as a fire extinguisher(s) go, make sure that they’re easily accessible, and service them whenever the warranty says you should. These things are potential lifesavers and you need to ensure that they’re functioning properly at all times.
Your home is your most important investment. Foundation problems can threaten that investment by causing serious structural damage, lowering the value of your home. Foundation repair products are a cost-effective option to increase the value of your home or business and restore the foundation to its former integrity. So if you notice any foundation issues, you need to contact a foundation repair company to fix the issues.
Conclusion
Those were some simple yet important home repair and maintenance tips. Although this list isn’t conclusive by any means, we tried to cover some of the basic things that you need to do both inside and outside of the house in order to take good care of it. By doing things from this list you will not only keep everyone safe and healthy, but you will also add value to your property and potentially save money.